More Maui

We left off at the last post on our way to Lahaina, on the west side of Maui. The first place we visited in the town was the Maria Lanakila Church.



The church was completed in 1873, and replaced the original adobe building and grass hut chapels.



The inside was quite impressive for a church that old.



I was raised Catholic, and even though it didn't take, I enjoy seeing the differences in the churches in various parts of the world. Here, the holy water is offered in a giant clam shell.



There is a unique mosiac of Father Damian, the priest who gave his life to those afflicted with leprosy on the island of Molokai.



Also in Lahaina is the Hale Paahao, a prison built in 1852 in the time of King Kamehameha III to lock up rowdy sailors and unruly natives. It was closed when we were there, but I got his photo by sticking my camera through a hole in the wall.



And outside there was lots of rusty stuff!!!



One of the biggest attractions in Lahaina is this 140-year-old Banyan Tree, which covers almost an acre downtown.



Lots of space to leave your initials, although that's probably a no-no.



We also took a boat out of Lahaina to go on a Humpback Whale watch trip.



We saw lots of mothers and babies, and males fighting each other.



The whales blow before they surface -



And when you see their tales, they are diving.



Back on the ship after a very busy day!